LANSDALE-Mark your calendars! At the February North Penn School Board action meeting, the North Penn Education Foundation formally announced their UKnight to Celebrate Gala and Kickball Tournament featuring Class of 2009 Grad and Super Bowl champ Brandon McManus. 

On Friday, April 24, the Gala will be hosted at Pinecrest Country Club, and the Kickball Tournament, hosted by McManus, will take place at North Penn High School on Saturday, April 25.

The Board then recognized North Montco Technical Career Center students for their achievements at the Pennsylvania Farm Show and the 26 finalists of the 2020 Black History Oratorical Competition. 

Per usual, the Board then heard each of the Committee Reports. Safe Schools member Jonathan Kassa shared that at the last meeting, the Committee cleared up the recent Pennfield incident, and discussed they way behavioral threats are assessed. Elisha Gee of the Education/Community/Policy Committee summarized the recent Inglewood redistricting. 

Kassa also reported important updates from the Facilities and Operations Committee meeting from School Nutrition Services; SNS has eliminated the purchase of styrofoam products and the use of plastic straws from all 13 elementary schools. Kassa updated the Board on the ongoing Knapp Elementary renovation project, saying that design meetings with Knapp staff have taken place, and a special Board meeting will occur on April 27 to discuss and potentially award Knapp construction contracts.

During the Legislative Committee report, Tim MacBain reported Governor Tom Wolf’s latest budget, which included $405 million for public education; but with 500 school districts across the state, some Board members wonder how much that money will truly benefit the North Penn community.

“As a School Board member, I find it difficult to understand how that $405 million will stretch across the state,” Kassa said.

“I think the public would be surprised to learn that Pennsylvania ranks 47th in public school funding. They have a lot still to do in Harrisburg,” added Board President Tina Stoll.

Chief Financial Officer Steve Skrocki then gave updates on the Real Estate Tax Rebate during his Financial Report. He shared that there has been 390 applicants this year, which is 19% higher than previous years, and the number of issued rebates is up 61%. Skrocki also shared that nearly 10 other school districts, including Greater Latrobe and Pennridge, have implemented programs based on North Penn’s rebate program.

Skrocki reported a recent IRS visit to the District, joking that “I’m still sitting here…I wasn’t dragged out in handcuffs or anything. We aren’t aware of any violations or issues.”

The meeting concluded with Stoll recognizing Human Resources Director Cheryl McCue, who will be leaving the North Penn School District for an opportunity at Lehigh University.

The Next North Penn School Board meeting will be the March worksession on Tuesday, March 10 at 7 pm at the ESC.